Kathmandu, September 8
Among those who went missing in the Bhotekoshi flood, 1,357 bodies have been found.
This latest data on the Bhotekoshi flood centred on Rasuwa, and the subsequent search, rescue and relief operations, was released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to updated figures as of 1 pm on 23 Bhadra 2083, the death toll from the flood has reached 1,357. The authority says the largest number of bodies of those who went missing and died has been found in Chitwan district.
In Chitwan, 363 bodies have been found. Among other affected districts, 223 bodies were found in Nawalparasi East, 222 in Nawalparasi West, 197 in Nuwakot, 169 in Rasuwa, 75 in Gorkha, 70 in Dhading, and 38 in Tanahun.
So far, only 102 of the deceased have been identified and handed over to relatives. For the remaining unidentified bodies, the authority has requested that relatives submit photographs and proof of relationship, along with samples for DNA testing, at the relevant district police office.
5,326 people affected by the flood remain unaccounted for, of whom 2,860 are from Rasuwa district alone.
Among the missing are 587 foreign tourists, 45 Nepal Army personnel, 25 Nepal Police personnel, 12 Armed Police Force personnel, and 73 government employees. The authority noted that the list of unaccounted persons may still include people who have already been rescued or unidentified deceased, so the data is being cross-checked.
So far, 13,583 people have been successfully rescued. Of the 6,827 injured, 327 are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals, while 2,420 have been discharged after treatment. The Nepal Army and Armed Police Force have treated more than 6,500 injured people through their own mechanisms. Thirty-nine holding centres have been set up in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading for displaced people, currently housing 3,533 people.
21,402 security personnel have been mobilised for rescue and relief work: 9,287 from the Nepal Army, 7,912 from Nepal Police, and 4,203 from the Armed Police Force. Helicopters from the Nepal Army, private sector, and Armed Police Force have flown more than 1,400 sorties for rescue operations.
The government has also accelerated relief distribution. Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts have each been provided Rs 10 million in cash relief, and Dhading Rs 5 million. In addition, Rs 135 million has been allocated for 15 affected local units. Helicopters and trucks are being used to transport food and non-food supplies.
On infrastructure, electricity has been restored to 99.8% of households in Dhading, 96.7% in Nuwakot, and 78% in Rasuwa. The authority says fuel stock in affected areas has been secured, and 457 gas cylinders have been sent as subsidised supplies.
